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Gr 4-6–Walsh’s latest novel is an exciting middle grade caper with a unique twist: the adventure centers a potential bug heist. Liberty Jacobs is a young bug enthusiast who lives above her family’s insectarium in Philadelphia. Her love for bugs doesn’t exactly translate into her being the most popular girl in school, and her best—and only—friend has just moved away. The insectarium she loves is also facing financial woes. Still, Liberty remains hopeful about her role in the museum’s next chapter. When an unlikely friend arrives at the insectarium to help freshen up the space for possible investors, the adventure begins. Together, Liberty, her best friend (via FaceTime), and her new friend uncover a plan to rob the insectarium that is set to take place after closing time. The trio works together to figure out who would want to steal their insects. Inspired by the booby traps from the classic movie Home Alone, the trio hatch a plan to catch the crooks. Full of friendship, bug facts, adventure, and fun, this middle grade tale is also based on actual events. The mix of facts and fun will be sure to stick with readers for time to come.
VERDICT A buggy adventure with high jinks and teamwork galore, recommended for middle grade fiction collections.–Kelly Costanza "Part memoir, part historical fiction, this book is a must-read for tweens..."
WALSH, Jenni L. Operation: Happy: A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond. 240p. Zonderkidz. Apr. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780310159261. Gr 4-7–Set during the early stages of World War II, this account is told by 12-year-old Jody Zuber and her dog Happy. They come together on Christmas Day 1938 after Happy retires from battle service as a Marine canine. He is losing his eyesight at a time when Jody is starting to see the world for what it really is in her military family. In 1940, her mother is anxious about her father’s posting in Pearl Harbor when the Zubers move to live on Ford Island in barracks housing. Thus begins “Operation: Happy,” a 10-point plan designed to guide Happy through his golden years. This list steadily grows as Jody and Happy weather air raid drills, vaccinations, and, ultimately, the events of December 7, 1941. When all but Sergeant Zuber relocate to San Francisco after the Pearl Harbor attack, Jody does not see her active-duty father until the war’s end. Walsh’s novel depicts the family’s stateside experiences starkly. As Jody’s mom struggles with depression and her sister becomes more distant, Operation: Happy transforms into Jody’s plan to keep the Zuber family together. Part memoir, part historical fiction, this book is a must-read for tweens who are learning about this important piece of U.S. history. This is a poignant coming-of-age tale about military life, family, and friendship. Readers will be inspired by Jody’s effort to put on a brave face and touched by Happy’s love as they journey through difficult times with humor and tears. VERDICT: Fans of Jenni L. Walsh will not let this book sit on library shelves for long. –Sharon Sherman |
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